England crashed out of the Women’s World Cup in heartbreaking fashion after an injury time own goal sent holders Japan into Sundays final.
With their opponents famed for there superior technical ability, England were always going to be reliant on determination and guts, for much of the match it seemed likely to pay off.
It was their hosts however who were on the scoresheet first when England Left-back Claire Rafferty pushed Saori Ariyosh in the penalty box after being caught out of position, Captain Miyama put the resulting spot kick confidently to Bardsley’s right.
Being the stubborn opponents they’ve proved in previous matches, England fired themselves back into it by converting a penalty of their own through Williams, the decision seemingly a gift for Mark Samson’s side after minimal contact lead to the resulting foul.
With extra time in sights, the Lionesses would be yet another England side to taste the familiar heartbreak that seemingly goes hand in hand with tournament football. With a rare incoming cross from the Japanese, Laura Bassett sliced her clearance terribly before the ball spun over the line after clipping the crossbar, there was no time left for even a modest reply.
Devastating for the Lionesses, after the pain subsides however they can only be happy with a thoroughly admirable World Cup showing.
Here’s match highlights…..